Solis-Reyes well-trained in prosecution, defense

MANILA, Philippines - The woman judge on whose lap fell the controversial multiple murder cases against the powerful Ampatuan clan has been well trained in both defense and prosecution, according to her associates.

Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes was picked yesterday to handle the multiple murder case against the accused led by Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. for the Nov. 23 massacre in Maguindanao.

The case was re-raffled after Solis-Reyes’ colleague, Branch 84 Judge Luisito Cortez, refused to handle it, citing possible danger to his life because a powerful – and notorious – clan was involved.

Ma. Victoria Gleoresty Guerra, acting chief of the Supreme Court (SC) public information office, said the entire judiciary led by Chief Justice Reynato Puno is solidly behind Solis-Reyes.

“Chief Justice Puno said the judiciary will give its full support to Judge Reyes,” Guerra told reporters.

The 49-year-old woman judge served as public attorney from 1992 to 1995 and as prosecutor from 1995 to 2000, according to Guerra.

Solis-Reyes, according to SC records, was a Metropolitan Trial Court judge from May 2001 until her assignment to the Quezon City RTC on Dec. 28, 2004.

Guerra said the judge would set a date for hearing on the case after a venue has been chosen. More than 200 respondents are named in the cases.

Guerra said Quezon City RTC Executive Judge Fernando Sagun Jr., Vice Executive Judge Bernelito Fernandez and 2nd Vice Executive Judge Vivencio Baclig are looking at three possible venues within Camp Crame. 

The RTC judges have also made security arrangements with the Philippine National Police. Judge Sagun has also been tapped to submit periodic reports on the proceedings to the SC.

Meanwhile, Guerra said the Office of Court Administration has started studying possible sanctions against Cortez.

“It is within the power of the Court to penalize judges who are found to have administrative liabilities because judges and courts are under the supervision of the Court,” she said.

But she admitted she hasn’t come across a case of a judge being penalized for inhibiting from a case over security concerns. Edu Punay